Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans

Imagine yourself surrounded by over a hundred information tables of all kinds - advocacy groups, arts organizations, social clubs, professional associations, social service agencies, vendors, food stands, arts & crafts tables, even fortune tellers and Mhendi tatoo artists. A children's program is going on in one corner, and a mini-film fest is screening in a tent in another. At one end of the park is a demonstration area where martial artists are exhibiting their skills. On the other end is a performance stage where traditional and contemporary musicians and dancers are putting on a show. And all around you are thousands of people sharing and celebrating their culture and heritage. If you can picture this, then you are at the Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival.

THE 2008 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 10th, 2008 from 12-6pm . Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York City

Media Coverage from Past Festivals
The Heritage Festival is an unique event in New York City, bringing together various Asian Pacific American organizations and individuals to celebrate Asian America. The Festival provides a stage for creative expression, a venue for community organizations to share their services, and exposure to thousands of individuals in one day.

Click on the player below to view the news coverage from the different festivals.

Media Coverage

Click here to view additional coverage

Festival Programs
Throughout the day, various programs are presented to highlight Asian Pacific American Heritage. These include Martial Arts demonstrations, Arts & Crafts tables, a Children's Program, a Theme Exhibit, a Performance Stage, a Mini-Film Festival and Information Booths from a over a hudred different organizations. Click on the image above to read more about these various program areas.

History of the Heritage Festival
In 1979, the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week was proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter. Following this was the creation of the Coalition of Asian Pacific American Associations, organized to: promote cooperation and understanding among Americans of Asian Pacific descent and among their representative organizations; foster friendship among Americans of Asian Pacific descent and others in the community; promote, represent, and advocate the interests of Asian Pacific American communities; and provide a conducive environment for encouraging Asian Pacific Americans to utilize their history, culture and art to foster self-esteem and respect for their heritage. The Coalition established as its principal activity the celebration of an annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival during the first week of May, now expanded to Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Beginning in 1979 with only 25 organizations participating, the Festival has grown to over a hundred booths featuring Asian foods, exhibits and information. The more than 20 stage performances scheduled throughout the day have in the past included traditional Korean, Chinese, Indian, and Filipino dancing, taiko (Japanese drumming), Vietnamese and Polynesian music and dance, modern dance, and jazz, folk, classical and rock music. In recent years, the Festival has honored the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans in specific fields of endeavor, including music, literature, film and sports. The Coalition has successfully held Festivals both at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park and at Union Square Park.

Volunteer Now!
We are currently looking for volunteers to help out on the day of the festival. It's a great way to get to know the community and to make new friends! Contact Bibs Teh for more info: volunteer@capaonline.org